FOLSOM, Calif. – Information
technology (IT) is being deployed on a grand scale by county governments across
the U.S. to better serve citizens,
according to the 2005 Digital Counties Survey, an annual study by the Center for
Digital Government (Center) and National Association of Counties (NACo). In
recognition of their work and innovations, the survey’s top-10 digital counties
will be showcased and honored at a national awards ceremony in Honolulu, Hawaii
.

In April, all counties in the
U.S. were invited to participate in the 2005 Digital Counties Survey, which is
underwritten by Onbase. Officials responded to a set of 22 questions that
included more than 95 measurements or data points. The survey grouped counties
into four population categories: 500,000 or more; 250,000-499,999;
150,000-249,999; and less than 150,000. A top-10 ranking was established for
each category.

First-place winners in each
respective category are Fairfax County , Va.; Prince William County, Va.
(three-time first-place
winner); Roanoke County, Va. (repeat winner from last year); and
Charles County, Md. (repeat winner from last year).

“It is a pleasure to
acknowledge and showcase our nation’s most digitally-advanced county
governments,” said Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the Center. “There
is so much hard work and planning going on behind the scenes in county
government – to make life a little easier for all citizens. Local governments
are to be commended for their ambitious efforts, accomplishments and outstanding
customer service.”

NACo Executive Director Larry
Naake concurs. “The Digital Counties Survey effectively demonstrates how county
governments of all sizes across the country are positively applying technology
to deliver quality services to their citizens,” he said. “This award is a
reflection of their outstanding work and innovations.”

2005 Top 10 Digital Counties
Survey

500,000 or more
population:

1st place: Fairfax
County, Va.

2nd place: Fulton
County, Ga. (tie)

2nd place: San Diego
County (tie)

3rd place: Orange
County, Fla.

4th place: King
County, Wash.

5th place:
Montgomery County, Md.

6th place: Oakland
County, Mich.

7th place:
Westchester County, N.Y.

8th place: Ann
Arundel County, Md.

9th place: Alameda
County, Calif. (tie)

9th place: Tulsa
County, Okla. (tie)

10th place:
Miami-Dade County, Fla.

250,000-499,999
population:

1st place: Prince
William County, Va.

2nd place: Loudoun
County, Va.

3rd place: Dakota
County, Minn.

4th place: Boulder
County, Colo.

5th place: Sedgwick
County, Kansas (tie)

5th place: Seminole
County, Fla. (tie)

6th place: Utah
County, Utah

7th place: Richland
County, S.C.

8th place: Dutchess
County, N.Y.

9th place: Washtenaw
County, Mich.

10th place: Marin
County, Calif.

150,000-249,999
population:

1st place: Roanoke
County, Va.

2nd place: Merced
County, Calif.

3rd place: Arlington
County, Va. (tie)

3rd place: Hamilton
County, Ind. (tie)

4th place: Clermont
County, Ohio

5th place: Scott
County, Iowa

6th place: Frederick
County, Md.

7th place: Jackson
County, Ore.

8th place: Racine
County, Wis.

9th place: Carroll
County, Md.

10th place: McLean
County, Ill.

Less than 150,000
population:

1st place: Charles
County, Md.

2nd place: Nevada
County, Calif.

3rd place: Napa
County, Calif.

4th place: Sutter
County, Calif.

5th place:
Boone County, Mo.

6th place: Stearns
County, Minn.

7th place: Olmsted
County, Minn.

8th place: Albemarle
County, Va.

9th place: Delaware
County, Ohio

10th place:
Deschutes County, Ore.

Many of the winners attribute
their success to the hard work put forth by their leadership and staff. Roanoke
County Administrator Elmer C. Hodge said the staff in the county’s IT department
is the best you’ll find. “They are committed to providing the highest level of
service available for our citizens and businesses.”

As a three-peat winner, Charles
County government leaders are pleased to retain their top position, even with
the stiff competition, officials noted. “This honor is a credit to our very
professional IT staff and our board of commissioners who have been consistently
supportive in providing the resources necessary to realize the advances in the
use of technology we are being recognized for today,” said Eugene Lauer, county
administrator.

Fairfax County, Va. , has
worked diligently over the years to provide citizens with greater access to
their government. “It is gratifying to see our success in e-access recognized in
this way,” said Chairman Gerald E. Connolly, of the Fairfax County Board of
Supervisors.

The top-10 Digital Counties
Survey winners in all population categories will be showcased and honored at an
awards reception held in conjunction with NACo’s annual conference next month in
Honolulu, Hawaii .

The Center for Digital
Government is a national research and advisory institute on information
technology policies and best practices in state and local government. A division
of e.Republic, publisher of Government Technology magazine, the Center’s
services and online resources provide public- and private-sector leaders with
decision support and knowledge to help them effectively incorporate new
technologies in the 21st century. The National Association of Counties (NACo) is
a full-service organization that provides legislative, research, technical, and
public affairs assistance to county governments. Created in 1935, NACo continues
to ensure that the nation’s 3,066 counties are heard and understood in the White
House and Congress.